ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 1996 TAG: 9603120107
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: A local electronics shop recently ran an ad for an all-digital answering machine. It had voice mail and other features that seemed more appropriate for a business - except it cost less than my old tape-based machine! However, it sounds complicated. Why would someone want one of these at home?
A: All-digital answering machines record voice messages on a computer chip rather than a bulky cassette tape. This not only reduces the machine's footprint, but eliminates rewind delays associated with tape. Access to individual messages is virtually instantaneous. And unlike tape answerers, an all-digital unit makes no mechanical sounds. It's so quiet you can keep it on your bedside table!
Also, since digital units have few, if any, moving parts, they are likely to last longer and experience fewer problems. In a Consumer Reports survey a few years ago, a whopping 43 percent of the respondents reported having to have their (tape-based) telephone answering machines repaired!
The first digital answerers were expensive and could only record a few minutes worth of messages. Most models can now store 20 to 30 minutes of messages; one stores a full 60 minutes - ideal for a person who forgets to check their messages. Machines are even available that can answer two lines!
As for ease-of-use, nothing is ever simpler than a product you're already familiar with. Having said that, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy some of the latest answering machines are to use. Buttons for the most frequently used functions are intuitive; sized to dominate the panel. Many models feature voice menus - especially helpful for anyone who calls in to check messages.
The most powerful feature is voice mail - the ultimate time management tool for a busy family. With street prices starting under $50, voice mail is no longer the purview of big business.
Since callers can leave messages for a specific person ("press one to leave a message for Helen, press two for Charlie ..."), you won't have to worry about "someone" retrieving their messages and then forgetting to write down yours. Some models even allow each user to protect their messages with a private pass-code, eliminating any possibility of "accidental" message snooping.
There is a definite downside to today's feature-rich answering machines: Choosing the model that best suits your needs can be a challenge. The best approach is to eliminate some models by making a few quick decisions. First, do you want a combination unit (with telephone)? Even if you don't need another phone, a combined unit may be worth the extra money if you're short on desk space.
Combination units are also available with cordless phones. This design offers a major benefit that may not be apparent: the ability to screen calls from the handset! You can also use the handset to operate the answering machine (turn off, turn on, check messages and more).
High-end answering machines all offer special remote messaging features. For example, some models can be programmed to dial your pager or call you at work if someone leaves a "priority" message. Some models will even forward your messages (requires three-way calling or two-line service).
A major paging company recently introduced the first portable answering machine. The all-digital unit is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It stores four minutes of messages and performs many of the same functions as a desk-top unit. Otherwise, it works like digital pager. Wow!
To receive a list of companies that manufacture voice mail systems for the home, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-603, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a description of each company's products. You'll also receive information on the wireless answering machine.
Q: My telephone company offers voice mail for $5 a month. Isn't that a waste of money? In less than year, the service would cost more than an answering machine!
A: When the telephone company used to rent telephones, your argument would be valid. However, network-based voice mail can do something no answering machine can do - take messages while you're on the phone. If someone in your household ties up the phone line for what seems like hours (e.g., surfing the 'net), phone company voice mail is a must.
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: This answering machine features four privateby CNBvoice-mail boxes, automatic call routing and a graphical menu.